The Golden Rockets concluded an impressive six-game pre-season schedule last weekend on a high note, with a convincing 7-1 win over the visiting Chase Heat.
After a busy summer of recruitment, the exhibition contests allowed Head Coach/GM Jed Houseman and his management team the opportunity to clearly evaluate and analyze line combinations, defensive pairings and goaltending strengths, along with a myriad of other key aspects. Good, early cohesiveness within the club, (led by a strong contingent of returning players and some key acquisitions), was evident as the team dropped only one single game in regulation time through the early September schedule. One area of importance for the coaching staff this season will be striving to improve upon the club’s offensive attack.
And a positive sign was on full display last Saturday evening, particularly in the final period, where Golden hit for no less than five unanswered goals enroute to the win. Newcomer Hayden Iron Shirt was the big gun in this game, firing home a hat-trick.
Two key early tests for this weekend, as the Golden Rockets mark their 35th year in the KIJHL. Action gets underway on the road for the local stars on Friday, when they travel to Invermere to tangle with the Rockies. On Saturday, the KickingHorse crew will have their home-opener as they will host the Revelstoke Grizzlies at the Plywood Palace starting at 7:00pm.
